Description
This Chocolate Terrine Cake is a luxurious, multi-layered dessert combining a rich, smooth chocolate terrine with moist chocolate cake layers and a glossy chocolate ganache. The cake is elegantly assembled with slices of velvety chocolate terrine sandwiched between two layers of tender chocolate cake, then frosted with a luscious ganache. Ideal for special occasions or any time you want to impress with a decadent chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Terrine
- 1 pound (450g) bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (divided: 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh raspberries
- Chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), combine the bittersweet chocolate and cubed butter. Stir until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the six eggs into yolks and whites, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites to allow proper whipping.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: Add half the sugar (1/2 cup or 100g) to the yolks. Whisk vigorously for 3-5 minutes until pale yellow and thickened.
- Incorporate Chocolate Mixture: Gradually whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Add Cocoa Powder and Vanilla: Sift in cocoa powder and add vanilla extract; stir until smooth and uniform.
- Whip Egg Whites: Add a pinch of salt to egg whites and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar (1/2 cup or 100g) and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whites carefully in two additions to keep mixture airy.
- Prepare Terrine Mold: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Pour Mixture and Chill: Pour the terrine batter into the pan, smooth evenly, tap out air bubbles, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, or line with parchment rounds.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing on low speed just until combined; avoid overmixing.
- Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour boiling water into batter and mix until smooth; the batter will be thin.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool and Level Cakes: Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Level tops with serrated knife if needed once fully cooled.
- Heat Heavy Cream: Warm heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat just to simmer; do not boil.
- Make Ganache: Pour hot cream over chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl; let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add Butter to Ganache: Stir in softened butter until fully melted and incorporated for richness and shine.
- Cool Ganache Slightly: Let ganache sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to thicken to a spreading consistency.
- Assemble Cake: Lift terrine from pan using plastic wrap, place on cutting board, and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces (8-10 slices).
- Layer Cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of ganache over it.
- Add Terrine Slices: Arrange terrine slices evenly over ganache, slightly overlapping them.
- Top with Second Cake Layer: Carefully position second cake layer on top of terrine slices.
- Frost Entire Cake: Use remaining ganache to frost cake completely, smoothing as preferred.
- Chill Cake (Optional): Refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to firm the ganache if desired.
- Garnish Cake (Optional): Decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar as desired.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy this rich, layered chocolate delight.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate (70% cacao) for the best flavor in the terrine.
- Ensure egg whites are free of yolks and beat them properly for a light terrine texture.
- Do not overbake the chocolate cake layers to keep them moist.
- Allow ganache to thicken before frosting to prevent it from sliding off the cake.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for improved flavor melding.
- For easier slicing, dip knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
- All steps involving temperature-sensitive ingredients should be followed carefully to avoid curdling or deflating mixtures.
